Discussion

Have you been to Laurel Grill & Bar on Berkeley St?

A large group of us are getting together on Sunday and looking for a reasonably priced, but decent food place. Laurel was recommended by a friend, but I would love to hear any other Chowhound's opinions! Thanks!

I ate there a year ago and found the food to be very good. Mostly I was blown away at the affordability. Somehow my boyfriend and I ordered apps, two entrees (one vegetarian), dessert and a bottle of wine, and the check was less than $70. Pretty cheap for the area, atmosphere and quality of the food.

I disagree. I have been there twice and thought that both the food and the ambience were mediocre. Grotto has very reasonable prices, a good atmosphere, and good food. Also, try Paramount on Charles Street.

I would also highly recommend watching the cashier closely at the Paramount -- carefully scrutinize the price on the menu and board with what you get rung up for. The time I went, the two figures were significantly different and not in my favor -- and the cashier refused to fix it.

I think it's one of the better values in the Back Bay for mid-priced sit-down dining. It's a white tablecloth setting, the bar turns out good cocktails, the menu is mainly upmarket comfort food, and the prices are very nice. Big portions: you can easily make a meal of the hunk of meat, starch and veg that comes with the typical mid-to-high-teens entree. This is not a James Beard Award kind of kitchen, but it executes better on its modest ambitions than just about everything in the neighborhood at its price point, i.e, casual-dining junk and chain outlets. They always have something decent for vegetarians, too. If memory serves, they host an all-girl bar scene on the first Friday of the month.

Food in general is so-so. The burgers are great, though (medium-rare, even). The red-pepper aïoli that comes with the reliable fried calamari is yummy (I sometimes ask for a side of that to dip my fries in), and the roast chicken with jalapeno glaze is pretty tasty (even if they do overcook the white-meat half). A good place for a larger group.

Have been to the Laurel with a group. Everyone thought the food was ordinary. I had lobster risotto and thought it was very good, though. Then again, I love anything with lobster as a component. Service was good. The bar scene was very lively! The Laurel's entrees are indeed reasonably priced!

Used to go there a lot for lunch, and meals always ranged from good to really good. The biggest attraction is definitely the price. For the quality and atmosphere, I don't think there is a better value in the Back Bay at least.